Notice is given to all members of the Football Club United of Melbourne Inc. - A0091690K (Alamein FC) that the Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held at 6.30 pm on 25 May 2018 at H. A. Smith Reserve Gardiner Road Hawthorn.

The general nature of the business of the meeting will be as follows:1. Welcome – AFC President2. Reports from the President & Treasurer3. Election of Board – Positions open are:a. Presidentb. Vice Presidentc. Treasurerd. Secretary

NB:1. Current Board members, Alan Cubbon and Bill Gaganis will be nominating for re-election on the Board of Directors.2. Nomination Forms for the Board must be made with the prescribed ‘Nomination Form’ on our website and submitted via emailed to no later than 5pm on Wednesday 23rd May 2018.3. Proxy Forms are available on our website and must be submitted via email to no later than 5pm on Wednesday 23rd May 2018.

Palwashi celebrates Female Soccer Week. Photo credit: Adrian ShawPalwashi Aslami is the assistant coach of the Alamein FC U12s. While on first glance this may seem unremarkable, but Palwashi’s journey to Australia and her involvement in soccer coaching is an extraordinary story of triumph over adversity, daring to push cultural boundaries and a passion for the “Beautiful Game”.

Palwashi was born in Kabul Afghanistan in 1982 during the Soviet occupation. Conditions in Kabul later became increasingly unsafe as the anti-Soviet forces gained ground around the country. Following numerous threatening visits from the Taliban, Palwashi’s father decided to leave the country. Only after a long and treacherous journey on foot and by truck to Iran, with only the clothes on their back, the family finally felt safe.

Living in Iran, whilst free from the terror in Afghanistan, did not prove ideal. The family did not speak Persian (Farsi), and the girls in the family we not allowed to attend school. Palwashi’s father had a firm belief that his daughters should have the same educational opportunities as his sons and so after one year, the family sought visas from Zimbabwe and eventually settled there.

The family spent 11 years in Zimbabwe, and Palwashi’s father set up a successful business. Palwashi and her brothers and sisters all attended school. It was in high school that Palwashi’s passion for soccer began, however this passion had to be hidden from her mother who was totally against girls playing. Palwashi’s situation closely followed that of Jesminder "Jess" Bhamra in the movie “Bend it Like Beckham”. During this period, FIFA representatives came to promote the sport in Zimbabwe and introduced classes and training in schools. Palwashi got involved and in 2003 attended selection trials for the Zimbabwean national team. After a two to three month process she finally received the news that she had been selected. Her first match was against Mozambique and it was televised. Unfortunately, her mother saw her playing and was not very happy! Her father, however, was delighted and was in full support.

Around this time, Zimbabwe was going through a period of heightened political unrest and Palwashi’s father and her brothers started to be harassed and threatened by corrupt police. Once again the family felt the need to move to a safer place where the rule of law was observed. In December 2003 the family moved to Australia.

After a settling in period, Palwashi again felt the draw of soccer. Palwashi subsequently played for Ashburton Women’s Soccer Club in 2005 after being encouraged by Secretary, Michael Gurfinkiel. She was very keen to play and had to ride her bike and take the train to Ashburton for training all the way from Dandenong.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments and her father’s ill health she was later forced to take a break from soccer for several years as she was the principal bread-winner for the family. Then, as her situation improved, a work colleague mentioned a coaching opportunity at Oakleigh. Palwashi took on the role of U9s coach and coached for three years until she was married in 2012. After taking time off when her son was born, Palwashi arrived at Alamein FC, and became assistant coach of the U12s.

Palwashi is now a passionate coach and is determined to create opportunities for girls and young women, especially Muslim girls, to engage with the sport. Palwashi is fully supported by her father and her husband, and is still working on her mother!She has completed her Junior Soccer Licence, Community Licence and is currently doing her Youth C licence.

Jana is of our quiet achievers who lets her soccer do the talking and just gets the job done. We are excited to announce the return of Jana Lawson back in our Senior Team for the 2018 WNPL season. Wishing you well for the this season @janna.lawson.

Matilda, Young Matilda and Adelaide United Captain, Emma Checker has returned to Melbourne and reunited with Alamein FC for the 2018 WNPL season. Following on from a stint in Korea and having played the game at the highest level, we are blessed to have the opportunity to have Emma back at the club. Emma is an inspirational role model for all young female football players. Good luck for the 2018 WNPL season @emmachecker We look forward to seeing you out on the park against Geelong Galaxy this weekend.

Experienced and established coach Daniel Foden has been appointed as U19 Head Coach - Senior Assistant Coach to Sinisa for the 2018 WNPL season. Having finished Runners up in 2017 with the U18 @ SMFC , Daniel has his sights set for one better this year. We wish Daniel all the very best for the season with both teams he is involved in.

We are excited to announce that Young Matilda Ashleigh Lefevre has re-signed with AFC for another season. A Young Matilda in 2016 and again in 2017, Ashleigh has set her sights on having a impressive WNPL season after being unlucky to miss out on playing at Melbourne City. Welcome back @ash_lefevre we look forward to seeing you out on the park this seaso.

After a very successful year in the U18’s in 2017 young and talented Lucy Richards has been rewarded by being promoted to the Senior Squad for the 2018 WNPL season. Lucy has worked hard in the off season and has spent a substantial amount of time getting herself ready for senior football. From what she has shown in pre season she’s ready for Round 1. We wishyou a successful season. Congratulations @lucyyrichards hard work has definitely paid off for you.

Number one glove woman re-signs for the 2018 Victorian WNPL! With a solid year in 2017, Erin Hudson has been rewarded with another contract this year. Erin trialled with Melbourne City in the off season but she was unlucky to get injured. Wishing you all the best for 2018 @erin_hudson26.